Chief Burton’s efforts should be supported

Saturday

Nov 26, 2011 at 12:01 AMNov 26, 2011 at 1:00 AM

Editor, the Tribune: On behalf of the Columbia NAACP as well as other concerned residents of Columbia, Chief Ken Burton did what no other police chief has been willing to do, and that is to hold officers accountable for their actions. The chief is working with community groups to try to close the mistrust that exists between the police and the community.

Anyone who saw the tape of the misconduct of the officers in the incident can clearly see the action Burton took was warranted. This kind of total misrepresentation of the Columbia Police Department by a few officers damages the reputation of the department and leaves the city open to litigation as well as total mistrust.

The chief is leading a group to try to establish an atmosphere where residents of all races and backgrounds will feel comfortable reporting crime and illegal activity to the police. Progress is being made, and I hope those who think we should not expect Columbia police officers to be held to a very high standard will rethink their position. Every time a chief attempts to discipline his officers, the wheels start turning to get rid of him and frighten the next chief because of what happens to those who try to make a difference.

This is an unusual position for the NAACP to step forward in support of the police chief, but it is clear in this case the community needs to speak and act and, if need be, initiate a counterpetition.